A Shah1, R Jenkins. 1. Department of Psychiatry, Imperial College School of Medicine, London, UK.
Abstract
OBJECTIVE: Mental health economic studies from developing countries were reviewed in the context of such studies from developed countries. METHOD: Mental health economic studies were ascertained through a systematic Medline search, chasing references at the end of papers acquired from the initial medline search and details of studies furnished by members of the WHO collaborating centre. RESULTS: Only a small number of mental health economic studies from developing countries were identified. They were mainly cost-of-illness and cost-effectiveness studies. CONCLUSION: Psychiatric disorders impose a significant burden in developing countries. It is not always possible to extrapolate findings from developed countries to developing countries. Potential avenues for future research and development are discussed.
OBJECTIVE: Mental health economic studies from developing countries were reviewed in the context of such studies from developed countries. METHOD: Mental health economic studies were ascertained through a systematic Medline search, chasing references at the end of papers acquired from the initial medline search and details of studies furnished by members of the WHO collaborating centre. RESULTS: Only a small number of mental health economic studies from developing countries were identified. They were mainly cost-of-illness and cost-effectiveness studies. CONCLUSION:Psychiatric disorders impose a significant burden in developing countries. It is not always possible to extrapolate findings from developed countries to developing countries. Potential avenues for future research and development are discussed.